Serena Williams in US Open final meltdown after being penalised for coaching violation
Williams approached the chair and told umpire Carlos Ramos that she was not being coached but rather being given a thumbs up from her box
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Your support makes all the difference.Serena Williams angrily responded to a code violation for coaching in the women’s US Open final by telling the chair umpire that she would “rather lose” than cheat.
Williams was given the violation by Carlos Ramos of Portugal in the second game of the second set while Naomi Osaka was serving.
Williams approached the chair and told Ramos that she was not being coached but rather being given a thumbs up from her box, which she said should not have been a violation.
“I don’t cheat to win. I’d rather lose,” she told Ramos.
She added: “You will never, ever, ever be on another court of mine as long as you live. You are the liar. When are you going to give me my apology? You owe me an apology. Say it. Say you’re sorry.”
An on-court meltdown followed from Williams, who proceeded to smash her racquet and argue tearfully with tournament director Brian Earley.
Osaka held her nerve throughout the episode and went on to win the major to claim her maiden Grand Slam title.
The final score was 6-2 6-4 in Osaka’s favour, with Williams having been docked a point for destroying her racquet, and then a game for arguing with Ramos and calling him a thief for taking the point from her.
Osaka, 20, becomes the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam singles title.
Addressing the controversial ending to the final, the youngster said: "I know that everyone was cheering for Serena and I'm sorry it had to end like this. I just wanna say thank you for watching the match.
"My mum has sacrificed a lot for me and it means a lot for her to come and watch my matches because she doesn't do that. All that's missing is my dad but he doesn't physically watch my matches, he just walks around, so I'll see him later."
Williams similarly sought to gloss over the heated ending and congratulated Osaka on her victory.
The American said: "I don't wanna be rude or interrupt or do questions. I wanna say she played well, it's her first Grand Slam. I know the guys were rooting and I was rooting too.
"Let's make this the best moment we can. Let's not boo anymore. Let's be positive. Congratulations Naomi! No more booing! Thank you to my team. The crowd, you really are the best in the world. I hope to continue to go and play here again - we'll see! It's been a tough year for me, thank you so much."
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